Lucas Cross chillin' in his gaming chair, as usual, totally immersed in a world he finds more real than his everyday life. His sharp eyes glued to the screen, fingers dancing on the mechanical keyboard. Today is a big day—he's almost completed the quest to snag a rare item in his fave RPG game, Eternal Sins.
"Just two more hits... and..." Lucas mutters, his voice trembling with anticipation. The final boss in this dungeon has a killer attack, but Lucas has all the patterns memorized.
"You have defeated Abyssal Warlord! Reward: Amulet of Lust."
Lucas grins wide. "Finally! This Amulet of Lust can sell for at least 500 bucks in the black market. Electricity bill this month is covered!"
But when he opens his inventory to check the item, something weird happens. The screen goes dark for a few seconds before displaying a strange message.
"Congratulations! You have unlocked access to the Lust Love Manipulation System! This system is designed to help you achieve your deepest desires. Do you want to activate it?"
Lucas furrows his brow. "What the heck is this? A new DLC? I never bought any add-ons..."
Two options pop up on the screen: [YES] and [NO].
Lucas chuckles. "Why not? If this is a bug, I'll be the first to find it." Nonchalantly, he clicks [YES].
Suddenly, the monitor screen lights up brightly, almost blinding. "Damn! Is my monitor busted?" he mumbles, squinting. But as the light subsides, a game-like interface appears in front of him—not on the computer screen, but in the empty air.
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Lust Love Manipulation System
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Welcome, Lucas Cross.
Level: 1 (Novice Manipulator)
Experience (XP): 0/100
Attributes:
- Charm: 5
- Persuasion: 3
- Lust: 2
- Love: 1
Skills Unlocked:
1. Analyze (Passive): Check target's emotional status.
2. Basic Manipulation: +10% temporary charm boost on target.
Initial Mission:
- Make someone smile within 24 hours (Reward: +10 XP, +1 Charm).
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Lucas jumps back from his chair, almost falling over. "What the heck is this?! Is this a hologram?" He tries to touch it, but his hand passes through the screen.
Before he can grasp what's happening, a calm yet cold digital voice speaks in his ear.
"Congratulations, Lucas Cross. You have been chosen to be the first user of this experimental system. With this system, you can manipulate someone's feelings of love and desire. Remember, every action has consequences. Use the system wisely."
Lucas is speechless, his mouth agape. After a few seconds, he finally says, "Is this some kind of prank? Are there hidden cameras here?"
But the voice remains silent. Instead, a new window pops up in the air:
"Active Mission: Make someone smile within 24 hours. Reward: +10 XP, +1 Charm. Penalty: None."
Lucas scratches his head. "Alright, if this is a dream, maybe I should just go along with it for now."
He walks out of his room to his small kitchen, where his neighbor, Jane, a cheerful young woman who often comes by to borrow things, is standing, searching for something in the fridge.
"Hey, Lucas," Jane greets without looking.
Lucas gazes at her for a moment before a new interface pops up next to Jane, like a character display in a game:
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Target: Jane Harper
Mood: 65% (Neutral)
Affection (Love): 15/100 (Friendly)
Desire (Lust): 0/100 (None)
Weak Points:
- Enjoys humor.
- Likes to be praised.
==================================
Lucas is stunned. "Oh, so this is how it works?" he whispers to himself.
He tries something simple. "Hey, Jane. If the fridge doesn't spit out the ice cream you're looking for, maybe I can help. I've got a stash in my freezer."
Jane chuckles. "Always with the lame jokes from you. But thanks, I'll take one."
"Mission Complete! Reward: +10 XP, +1 Charm."
Lucas stares at the interface that appears, amazed yet puzzled. "Okay... maybe this isn't a dream."